Modular cobot system and method thereof

Abstract

A modular cobot system is provided having a table that can connect with a plurality of modular secondary tables to enable a user to select or define a user-selected collective workspace area. The modularlity of the cobot system may be effectuated by brackets on the primary table that universally connect with corresponding components or brackets on the secondary tables. The cobot may have a visual system that utilizes a zeroed reference point or multiple reference points. Further, the tabletop may include a V-shaped channel that ensure proper alignment of clamps that hold a workpiece.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cobot system comprising:
 a cobot mounted on a tabletop;   at least one leg supporting the tabletop;   a bracket on the at least one leg, wherein the bracket is shaped to receive a component indirectly coupled to a modular second tabletop, wherein when the bracket receives the component, a collective workspace area is established and is defined by the tabletop and the modular second tabletop for the cobot to engage a workpiece located in the collective workspace area.   
     
     
         2 . The cobot system of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises:
 a first plate connected to the at least one leg;   a second plate connected to the at least one leg; and   wherein the first plate has a major surface that is orthogonal to a major surface of the second plate.   
     
     
         3 . The cobot system of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises:
 a first L-shaped plate connected to the at least one leg; and   a second L-shaped plate connected to the at least one leg.   
     
     
         4 . The cobot system of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises:
 a first plate connected to the at least one leg; and   a first flange connected to the at least one leg below the first plate.   
     
     
         5 . The cobot system of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 an adjustment mechanism coupled to the first flange.   
     
     
         6 . The cobot system of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a second plate connected to the at least one leg; and   a second flange connected to the at least one leg below the second plate.   
     
     
         7 . The cobot system of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 an adjustment mechanism coupled to the second flange.   
     
     
         8 . The cobot system of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket comprises:
 a first plate connected to the at least one leg, the first plate having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the first plate defines an aperture extending through the first plate adjacent the upper end thereof; and   a second plate connected to the at least one leg, the second plate having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the second plate defines an aperture extending through the second plate adjacent the upper end thereof.   
     
     
         9 . The cobot system of  claim 8 , wherein the component indirectly coupled to the second tabletop defines a second aperture that aligns with one of the aperture extending through the first plate and the aperture extending through the second plate. 
     
     
         10 . The cobot system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first sidewall of the at least one leg;   a second sidewall of the at least one leg;   wherein the first sidewall is orthogonal to the second sidewall;   wherein the bracket is connected to both the first sidewall and the second sidewall that is adapted to permit the second tabletop to extend from either a side or an end of the tabletop based on a user-selected configuration for the collective workspace area.   
     
     
         11 . The cobot system of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a universal reference point on the tabletop for a sensor on the cobot regardless of the user-selected configuration for the collective workspace area.   
     
     
         12 . The cobot system of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a universal reference point on the second tabletop for a sensor on the cobot regardless of the user-selected configuration for the collective workspace area.   
     
     
         13 . The cobot system of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a V-shaped channel in one of the tabletop and the second tabletop;   a clamp that engages the V-shaped channel, wherein the V-shaped channel is configured to align a workpiece in the collective workspace area.   
     
     
         14 . The cobot system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a void formed in one of the tabletop and the second tabletop below the V-shaped channel, wherein the void is configured to reduce debris collection.   
     
     
         15 . The cobot system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 alignment indices in one of the tabletop and the second tabletop to identify alignment of the clamp relative to the V-shaped channel.   
     
     
         16 . A method comprising:
 aligning a secondary tabletop with a tabletop supporting a cobot;   aligning a component indirectly coupled to the secondary tabletop with a bracket on a leg supporting the tabletop;   abutting the component with the bracket; and   connecting the component to the bracket to thereby establish a collective workspace area defined by the aligned tabletop and secondary tabletop within which the cobot performs an operation.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 leveling the collective workspace area along a single even plane by manipulating an adjustment mechanism, wherein the adjustment mechanism is located on a leg supporting the tabletop.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 defining a universal reference point for the cobot within the collective workspace area regardless of a user-selected configuration for the collective workspace area.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 connecting a clamp to a v-shaped channel formed in one of the tabletop and the second tabletop, wherein a void is defined below the V-shaped channel to reduce collection of debris in the V-shaped channel.   
     
     
         20 . A welding table kit comprising:
 a primary table that supports a welding cobot;   a plurality of secondary tables that are selectively connectable with the primary table based on a user-selected preference and configuration of a resultant collective workspace area defined by aligned tabletops of the primary table and the secondary tables, wherein connection of the secondary tables to the primary table is effectuated by joining complementary connectors on respective legs of the primary table and the secondary tables.